Register Now for Lay Leadership Training!
- Oklahoma Communication
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
NOVEMBER 14-16, 2025—The best way to learn leadership is by doing it. During the Lay Leadership Training weekend, you'll have the chance to step into real-life ministry scenarios, collaborate with fellow volunteers, and practice the skills that make servant leadership effective and Christ-centered. Through interactive workshops, role-playing, and small group discussions, you'll explore how to lead with humility, communicate with clarity, and inspire spiritual growth in your local church. Whether you're a Sabbath School teacher, deacon, youth leader, or church board member, this hands-on experience will equip you to serve with greater confidence and purpose.
Held at the peaceful Wewoka Woods Adventist Center in Oklahoma from November 14–16, the seminar will also deepen your understanding of Seventh-day Adventist mission and values. You'll learn practical tools for organizing church programs, resolving conflict biblically, mentoring others, and fostering a culture of discipleship. Seasoned presenters will share insights on spiritual leadership, time management, and how to nurture a thriving church community. Most importantly, you'll leave with renewed energy, a clearer vision of your calling, and a supportive network of fellow lay leaders committed to growing God’s kingdom together.
Lay Leadership Training
When: November 14–16, 2025
Where: Wewoka Woods Adventist Camp
Theme:
Ignite: Revitalizing the Flamekeepers in Local Church Ministry”
A weekend to spark revival, creativity, and collaboration in ministry.
Why We Exist
I’m reminded of a parable I once heard. Imagine visiting a lightbulb factory. The CEO welcomes you and gives you a tour of the impressive facilities—the beautiful reception area, the administrative offices, the massive warehouse, the precision machinery, and the efficient loading docks. At the end of the tour, you look around and ask, “This is a lightbulb factory, right? But… where are the lightbulbs?”
Because isn’t that the point? The purpose of a lightbulb factory is to produce lightbulbs.
Friends, that’s also why we exist as a church—not merely to build beautiful buildings or hold inspiring programs, but to partner with Jesus in producing light-bearers who shine in a dark world. That begins at the local level, in our churches and communities.
That’s what this Lay Leadership Weekend is all about—equipping local church leaders to be effective partners with Christ in “producing light.."
Purpose & Focus
This year’s event will look a little different from past Lay Leadership weekends. The Oklahoma Conference leadership team has been prayerfully reviewing the vision and goals for this ministry, and will be sharing more updates coming next year.
For now, our focus is on strengthening several key areas of local church ministry. Each session is designed to inspire and equip lay leaders to organize and grow creative, dynamic ministries in their home congregations.
What to Expect
Friday–Sabbath: General Lay Leadership Training sessions ONLY for registered participants.
Sunday: For both registered participants and targeted training for elders, treasurers, and clerks (open to all, free with lunch).
Registration
Fee: $40 per participant (covers lodging, meals, and training materials)
Capacity: Limited to 40 registered participants – registration required
Register Here: [Click to Register]
Sunday Only: Elders, Treasurers, and Clerks training is free (includes lunch).
Please email Melshara Parks to register for Sunday’s training and lunch:
Weekend Schedule
Friday
6:00–7:20 PM – Supper
7:30–8:30 PM – Evening Meeting
Sabbath
8:00–9:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00–9:50 AM – Revitalizing Prayer Ministries – Cindy Mercer
10:00–10:50 AM – Revitalizing Sabbath School Ministries – Chris Bailey
11:00–12:15 PM – Worship Service & Sermon: Conference Revitalization Vision – Daniel Ortega
12:15–2:15 PM – Lunch Break
2:15–3:30 PM – Stewardship – Charles Reel / Gio Marin
3:45–4:45 PM – Lay Preaching – Marlowe Parks
5:00–6:00 PM – Revitalizing Youth Ministries – Israel Mora
6:00–7:00 PM – Supper
7:00–9:00 PM – Social
Sunday
8:00–9:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00–10:00 AM – The Healing Project – Luis Luciano
10:00 AM–12:00 PM –
Elders Training – Daniel Ortega
Treasurers Training – Charles Reel
Clerks Training – Nathan Shires / Melshara Parks
12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch
Final Thought
The church was never meant to be a museum for the saved, but a workshop for the willing, a place where everyday people are equipped to shine for Christ.
Our prayer is that this weekend will ignite a renewed passion for ministry in every participant, so that together, we may “let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
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